Run and visualize dynamic FEM simulations from Abaqus/ Calculix *.inp files with the explicit open-source OpenRadioss solver and get OpenRadioss into the hands of mechanical engineering students.
Figure 1: Impact of a debris particle onto the surface of the ISS
Quickly get started with OpenRadioss and open-source dynamic simulations. The OpenRadioss-WebGUI combines :
- OpenRadioss solver
- 3D WebViewer VTK for unstructured meshes (based on three.js)
- Web-framework based on Flask (Webapp)
- Desktop-app deployment
- Integrated dynamic, explicit simulation examples for teaching students
- Immediate results, while simulation is still running
- Compatible with a fully open-source workflow (FreeCAD + PrePoMax + OpenRadioss)
- Multi-core support out of the box (MPI)
- Create CAD geometry in FreeCAD
- Pre-Processing with PrePoMax
- Solve and visualize with OpenRadioss-WebGUI
Figure 2: Creating the CAD geometry for the sperical particle and the simplified ISS hull model
Figure 3: Setting up the impact simulation with non-linear material and fracture
Figure 4: Solving the case study and tracking the results with fracture while the simulations is still running in 3D
Applications of simulations performed using this software, specifically featuring plastic deformation and fracture. These case studies will be integrated into the OpenRadioss-WebGUI:
- EV platform EuroNCAP full-width crash simulation
- ISS space particle impact
- Mars Rover drop-off simulation on mars surface and suspension test
- EV Battery pack impact in a crash
- Deformation and stress of a compressed flat silicone gasket from a hydrogen fuel cell (PEMFC)
The OpenRadioss-WebGUI simplifies the open-source workflow for crash simulations, that we have developed and validated by combining OpenRadioss with a Post-processing solution, reducing the number of software packages(FreeCAD + PrePoMax + OpenRadioss + ParaView) -> (FreeCAD + PrePoMax + OpenRadioss-WebGUI).
Figure 5: Fully open-source workflow for crash simulations overview comprised of FreeCAD, PrePoMax, OpenRadioss and ParaView showcased with a full-width EuroNCAP EV platform crash simulation
Figure 6: Block diagram of the fully open-source workflow for crash simulations, including the interfaces and steps
Figure 7: Presenting the fully open-source workflow for crash simulations in automotive and aerospace at Carhs aCAE Grand Challenge 2025 in Hanau (https://www.carhs.de/en/grand-challenge-overview.html) to leaders in automotive engineering, including representatives from BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and Dassault Systemes. Credit: Natalie Golowko
Figure 8: Presenting fully open-source workflow for crash simulations in automotive at OpenRadioss Users' day 2025. Youtube-Video "OpenRadioss Users' Day 2025 - Opening speech by Eric Lequiniou": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlPGNvs6QUU
Figure 9: Presenting the fully open-source workflow as a mars rover drop-off simulation workshop at "Tag der Raumfahrt 2025" from Deutsche Raumfahrtagantur im DLR (German space agency at DLR) organized by Alsado and Altair at Altairs' office in Cologne (https://www.tagderraumfahrt25.de/teilnehmer/alsado/)
Figure 10: Presenting OpenRadioss as an open-source simulation tool in aerospace through the catalogue of German space actors by the German space agency at DLR
To make it even easier to get started, the GUI will be further simplified, while offering more information.
- New results browser bar
- Move reports from tabs to buttons and modal dialog
- Make navigation transparent for more real-estate
- Remove file-upload page and move it to a modal dialog, overlaying the results page
Figure 11: Hand drawing of a new user interface concept for the OpenRadioss-WebGUI with inspiration from a film reel
Requires:
- Python 3.10
- OpenRadioss solver: https://github.com/OpenRadioss/OpenRadioss
- OpenRadioss inp2rad: https://github.com/OpenRadioss/Tools/tree/main/input_converters/inp2rad
- three.js: https://github.com/mrdoob/three.js/
- Flask web-framework: https://github.com/pallets/flask
- FreeCAD: https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD
- PrePoMax: https://gitlab.com/MatejB/PrePoMax
- ParaView: https://github.com/Kitware/ParaView
- Carhs aCAE Grand Challenge 2025: https://www.carhs.de/en/grand-challenge-overview.html
- Thank you to Dirk Ulrich, Axel Hänschke and Natalie Golowko for making the talk at Carhs aCAE Grand Challenge 2025 possible
- Altair (R) Radioss (R): https://altair.com/radioss
- Thank you to Eric Lequiniou, Marian Bulla and Paul Sharp from Altair Engineering for your help on moving this project and the fully open-source workflow for crash simulations forward, democratizing dynamic-explicit simulations tools.